As promised, here's Jennifer's perspective. Thanks to DaniWilder for beta reading.

Stargate: Atlantis

A Taste of Ambrosia

A Tag to Enemy at the Gates

Part 2

by Koinekid

A fresh uniform awaited Jennifer in her office, but she was in no hurry to shed her scrubs. As much as she tried to deny it, the uniform still intimidated her. In her gray-and-yellows she was responsible for the health of every person on base, a burden that could leave dark circles beneath her eyes. But the scrubs narrowed her focus. Scalpel in hand, she could let every other responsibility slip away and give her all to the patient on her table.

It didn't help that the uniform's large jacket sleeves made her wrists appear tiny and childlike by comparison, emphasizing her youth and making her feel like a kid out of her depth. That's why she "accidentally" left the jacket draped over her office chair so often. Her boyfriend insisted it was because she looked so damn hot in her sleeveless blue shirt. And you know it too, he'd said, hugging her close. My girl's a flirt.

Was she? She hadn't shot down Lieutenant Collins right away. She supposed the confidence that came with a stable relationship could be making her more outgoing. Knowing it would lead nowhere made exchanging flirty remarks with a cute soldier easier. Maybe she should dial it back, though. She considered it. Nah.

Speaking of the soldier, "Marie, I need the paperwork on Lieutenant Collins."

A tablet was placed in Jennifer's hand in record time. She signed and handed it back. "Tell Lieutenant Collins he's free to go."

"Love to," an unmistakably masculine voice answered. His chin on her shoulder made her heart flutter.

Mmm, Rodney.

Once the door to her office slid shut, McKay caught Jennifer's face in his hands and kissed her. Though taken aback by his enthusiasm, she willingly parted her lips. But McKay didn't press his advantage.

"Are you okay?" she asked, genuinely concerned.

"I am now." He wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her neck. Inhaling, he murmured, "How do you manage to smell so good after spending all day in surgery?"

"Soap and water," Jennifer replied. It was a tease and an honest answer. On their dates she wore a light floral scent that complemented her femininity. She knew he knew it was lavender—though he'd never admit it. But apparently he preferred her freshly scrubbed. Noted.

"Funny," he said drolly.

She wrinkled her nose. "You smell like engine grease."

"Sorry." He righted himself and started to pull away, but Jennifer held on tight. Resting her head against his chest, she allowed her eyes to drift closed. She was more tired than she realized. The coffee would do her good.

Glancing up, she said, "You know what that smell reminds me of? Afternoons working on my dad's '71 Chevelle."

McKay's eyes lit up. "A '71, you say?"

"Don't get too excited. Dad sold it years ago." She sobered. "Right after Mom got sick."

Air passed through McKay's teeth. "Wish I hadn't brought it up."

"No, I'm glad. It's a good memory." She patted his chest. "I've been on my feet for hours. Mind if we sit?"

At his nod she led him to a couch opposite her desk. He offered to pour the coffee, and she gratefully accepted, unscrewing the thermos cap and holding it steady for him. The warmth of the coffee radiating through the cap soothed joints stiffened by hours in surgery. And the strong flavor perked up her taste buds when she raised the cap to her lips. She let the coffee sit on her tongue a moment before swallowing. McKay had added precisely the right amount of syrup—waaaaaay too much. It was an indulgence she allowed herself only on exceptionally taxing days. He'd intuited how difficult her day had been and was—don't you choke up, Keller—was taking care of her.

Smiling, she offered him the cap. The thermos held forty ounces, more than enough to share. She could only imagine the dirty looks McKay had received as he emptied nearly half a carafe in the mess. He probably hadn't noticed, nor cared if he had. His mouth twitched as he raised the cap to his lips. Jennifer suddenly remembered his distaste for flavored syrups. He drank anyway.

For a moment she considered pulling him on top of her and doing something very unprofessional. Just as quickly she dismissed the thought. There would be plenty of time for that later. She'd make sure of it. For now, she just wanted to enjoy his company.

They talked their way through most of the thermos, passing the cap back and forth, McKay never once complaining about the taste. When Jennifer commented on the new battle scars decorating the arms and torsos of some of her favorite soldiers, he mentioned hearing "somewhere" that scars were good for picking up chicks. The quip earned him a kiss to each palm atop the faint white scars that he'd gotten while saving her life. They debated the chances of Atlantis returning to Pegasus in the near future. McKay was pessimistic, and to cheer him up, Jennifer nearly suggested a trip to Wisconsin to meet Dad—classic muscle car or not. Wisely, she thought better of it. Baby steps, Keller.

"They won't let us take the city back without a fight," McKay concluded. "So, we fight. The people in Pegasus need us."

She blinked in surprise and felt shame for doing so. "You're a good man, Rodney," she said and treasured the wide smile the comment generated on his face.

He shrugged. "This place has changed me."

"I know what you mean," she agreed. "Before I came to Atlantis, I was just a whiz kid doctor. Now, if feels like I can do anything."

With complete sincerity McKay said, "Of course you can."

"Sweetie, you don't have to butter me up." Jennifer reached out to squeeze his knee. "I'm almost certain you're getting action tonight." Before he could splutter a response to that, she switched subjects. "Where are we anyway? I know we splashed down on Earth, but nothing beyond that."

McKay opened his mouth to answer, then stopped. "How about I show you? Accompany me to the nearest balcony?"

"Why, Doctor McKay, are you asking me on a date?"

"Depends. Promise to say yes?"

She leaned in close—not quite close enough to steal a kiss. When he moved to bridge the gap, she pulled back. "Nope. You'll just have to take a risk."

And he did.

Minutes later, Jennifer emerged from her office to find McKay rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet. To safeguard her reputation, he'd insisted on waiting outside while Jennifer changed into her uniform. It was silly, but Jennifer indulged him. She accepted his proffered arm, and they strolled toward the exit.

"Do I get a clue where we are?" she said.

"Just that the view is spectacular. I've got the perfect spot picked out too." He frowned. "Hope no one else has claimed it."

Out of the corner of her eye she spotted Lieutenant Collins chatting up one of her nurses and taking his sweet time vacating the infirmary. His smile showcased a set of perfectly formed dimples. When he noticed Jennifer, he waved enthusiastically. Ignoring him, she leaned her head against McKay's shoulder until the outer doors snapped shut behind them.

"The uniform looks great and all," McKay said as they neared the control room.

"But?"

"You could lose the jacket."

"What if I get cold? We are on the ocean, after all."

He grinned. "I'll keep you warm."

"Of that, my dear," Jennifer said, a warmth already flooding her heart. "I have no doubt."

THE END

Thanks for reading; reviews are appreciated.